New YAC Scholarship Allows Student to Apply Her Learning in the Urban Community

THOUGH BUSY MAJORING in Spanish/Latin American studies, senior Desiree Baker volunteers
with Street Youth Ministries, Mexican
Medical Ministries, Seattle Pacific University’s Urban Involvement program, and other service organizations in Seattle. She knows her career will involve ministry.

Because of her desire to earn a degree in order to help others,
Baker is the first-ever recipient of the new endowed scholarship
from the Young Alumni Council (YAC). The YAC Scholarship is funded
by young alumni of Seattle Pacific, largely through an annual
endowment fund-raising dinner.

This year’s dinner on October 14 carried the theme, “Beyond Nickerson,” symbolizing the spirit of students who take what they learn on campus and apply it to the needs of the community. Pledges and gifts at this year’s dinner helped swell the endowment to more than $20,000.

The YAC Scholarship is particularly designed for students like
Baker who, because of the hours they spend in volunteer work
and internships, have less time for paying jobs. “One of the great things about getting an education
at SPU is that the classroom is not the only place where learning happens,” she says.

From the President
In 2000, Seattle Pacific intensified its commitment to racial reconciliation. Is it possible, asks Philip Eaton, for SPU to discover ways to tear down walls that divide?

In Trust for the Future
Charitable trusts are benefiting students and donors. One couple, in fact, has seen their trust provide income for them, while supporting student scholarships. [Campaign]

Zorn to Largent
Sarah Zorn and Kramer Largent have teamed up as Falcons, showing the same competitive spirit as their famous NFL fathers. [Campus]

A Fabulous Time to Be Alive
Astronomy is revealing never-before-seen wonders. “We are in the process of discovering a God far greater than we’ve ever imagined,” says Professor Emeritus Karl Krienke. [Faculty]

Life Stories
A filmmaker talks about his visits with SPU students and his project to share the internment stories of Japanese Americans during World War II. [Books & Film]

Mutual Inspiration
Falcon men’s and women’s soccer teams cheered each other on to success in 2004, as both teams continued the University’s tradition of being a national force in soccer. [Athletics]

My Response
For Sharon Hartnett, assistant professor of education, diversity reflects a
piece of heaven on earth. “After all, heaven is a multicultural place,” she
says.